Firestone Walker Brewing Company Helldorado

Aroma: “A bit of whiskey booze followed by rich vanilla, white chocolate, raisin, and less caramel than one might think and more crème brûlée.” Flavor: “Really mellow layers of raisin and fruity character that actually work really well together. Alcohol astringency is mildly distracting, but is rounded by deep vanilla. This has a nice body with a slight coating of the mouth, some hop bitterness, and it finishes with a milky chocolate body.” Overall: “Despite the shock of the color, the beer drinks very much like barleywine—rich malt and barrel character defy expectations harbored by the light color. A complex chili and chocolate flavor with an underlining smokiness creates an interesting taste on the palate, too. A unique and interesting riff on the style.”

**Aroma:** “Cinnamon, cloves, rum-like molasses, and tequila-like peppery spices. Vanilla and coconut. Some alcohol on the nose. Rich dark caramel notes with a nice hint of oak.” **Flavor:** “Robust molasses, brown sugar, and vanilla accompany a nicely balanced bitterness. It’s almost like a barleywine spiced rum, but even spiced rum isn’t this good. Nice raisin/cherry highlights and a pleasant semisweet chocolate and cocoa flavor, followed by a hint of coconut. Pleasant alcohol warmth, spicy and soothing.” **Overall:** “The rum-like character to this beer is intriguing. One gets the impression of sweetness without the physical sensation on the tongue. A well-executed barrel-aged sipper: The blend of rich candied character with the barrel and aging work well together. Nice sweet, warm finish that makes it very enjoyable for sipping.”

**Aroma:** “Rich malt—caramel, coffee, and cocoa, lots of cherry esters, some coconut. Very friendly but subdued nose overall with a touch of alcohol.” **Flavor:** “Flan with cherries! Vanilla, toffee, and pie cherries. Cacao nibs and caramel. Malt is well blended with some nice caramel and toasted notes. Molasses and caramel combine with vanilla and subtle fruit character to make for a complex flavor, balanced between malt and barrel with fruit to support.” **Overall:** “Rich and complex. Lighter in body than the appearance suggests. A great sipping beer that comes off as much lighter than it actually is. Nice example of the style. Complex malt flavors work well with the barrel character to form a very balanced, smooth, and surprisingly drinkable barleywine. Find this one immediately.”